To increase the geological knowledge of the study sector, to establish a structural diagram at a scale of 1/1,000,000 of the entire country and to promote the mineral potential of Burkina Faso.
GEOLOGICAL MAPPING
Burkina Faso – Geological Mapping of 13 topographic sheets at a Scale of 1/200,000
Project Start
January 2016
Project Duration
28 months
Project conducted for the Bureau of Mines and Geology of Burkina Faso (BUMIGEB)
Purpose
- To increase the geological knowledge of the study sector;
- To establish a structural diagram at a scale of 1/1,000,000 of the entire country;
- To promote the mineral potential of Burkina Faso.
Context
The mandate was carried out for the BUMIGEB as part of a project to support the development of the mining sector (PADSEM) funded by the World Bank. The work consisted in the geological mapping of 13 topographical sheets covering the South, West, North, and East of the country at a scale of 1/200,000, as the center region had already been mapped at this scale in the 2000s.
Specific challenges were as follows:
- Existing geological data dating back to the 1970s;
- Vast region to cover based on a tight schedule;
- Demanding climatic conditions with alternating rainy and dry seasons.
Need for improving geological and metallogenic understanding, including:
● To improve geological understanding (structural architecture, lithological framework, geotectonic evolution);
● To improve metallogenic understanding;
● To promote the mineral potential of Burkina Faso.
Solution Implemented: Hybrid Approach involving Remote Mapping and Field Surveys
Results
- Mapping the lithostratigraphic framework and structural architecture;
- Geotectonic interpretation of all of Burkina;
- Production of the 13 geological maps at a scale of 1/200,000;
- Preparation of 13 geological notices with each map generated;
- Production of a synthesis map at a scale of 1/1000,000.
